Monday brought some major changes to the province in regard to COVID. This has left some of us overjoyed and others anxious. In the office we have had many people asking what this means for the church. The board met this morning to discuss exactly what this will mean for our fellowship. We reflected on the information released by public health and the region, our personal experiences and opinions we have heard in the congregation and our faith tradition prior to making our decisions.
With Jesus command to care for the least and most vulnerable in our midst and knowing that church provides support for many who are considered at greatest risk by public health, the decision was to move forward with caution. This means that for at least the next month we will maintain required masking and distancing in the sanctuary and throughout the church building. This will include when committees meet. Think of the rule this way; where 2 or more have gathered in a space, wear a mask, if you’re by yourself it is optional once you are seated.
Some might be wondering why the shift in masking during committee meetings, as previously we had said committees could make their own decisions. As meetings move back to in-person and vaccination requirements are no longer in play, the board decision to continue masking is prudent as the more transmissible variants remain in circulation. This also means clear expectation and the removal of unintended situations of peer pressure.
The major change to our COVID response will be that coffee-time will resume once again. Coffee time will look different than pre-pandemic. Coffee will be handed out at the window and the server will add milk/sugar, snacks will be pre-plated and given to participants (no buffet style). Tables will be set up in the hall, people are asked to be seated prior to removing your mask and to do so only when eating and drinking.
The board will monitor the impact of the removal of restrictions in New Brunswick as a whole and on our congregation, and review these decisions in a month’s time. Your board thanks you for your adherence to these protocols. Should you have any questions or comments, please reach out to any member of the board.
With this out of the way, I want to say that having the discussion and making these decisions was the best birthday present I have had, so far. As your minister, the one called to “care for the sheep”, the shifting COVID situation and risks associated with it weighs on my heart and mind. I have been turning to Jesus with worries about you and my kids, and how best to keep us all healthy and well. I have been connecting with God daily, to hand over my fears of being an unknowing carrier and pray for healing and recovery for those in our fellowship and beyond who have contracted the virus. These times of prayer and reaching out have helped me to navigate the shifting ground, if you are struggling with anxiety and stress over our adjustment or those of the province, reach out and I will share some of the techniques that have helped me.
If you are one of the people who is ready to break out into the world and let go of all precautions, I ask you to hold on just a little longer. Paul warns us not to let our liberty be a stumbling block for others, knowing that we have brothers and sisters in Christ who have real 5concerns for their own health let us work together to show our community that we are a place willing to follow Christ’s example of sacrificial love. I thank you in advance for your patience and faithful waiting.
On this St. Patrick’s Day and as we move towards Sunday I will leave you with an Irish blessing…
May God give you:
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
And or every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.
Amen
1) Sunday March 20th – Worship
2) Upper Room Daily Devotional – March-April
3) Bible Study – new zoom link
4) Brown Bag Lunch Program
5) Pantry
6) Database Update – Personal Contact Information
7) Bulletin & E-News Announcements Deadline
8) Memory Sharing Event – April 3rd
1) Worship March 20th, 2022
To attend in-person worship here at St. Paul’s United Church we will no longer require you to show proof of vaccination. COVID protocols still in play include:
– Wearing a mask at all times
– Sanitizing one’s hands upon entry
– Sitting in the marked pews to maintain distance
– Being aware of social distancing when entering and leaving building
– Coffee time will be available for those who wish to partake. Tables will be set up and you are asked to maintain masks while not eating/drinking and stay seated.
As always, if you are not ready to join us in person we hope to see you on Zoom – link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
You can also join by phone only if you would prefer, if you don’t have a long distance plan charges would apply. All you need to do is call 1 647 558 0588 and follow the prompts to enter Meeting ID: 868 5471 8551 and Passcode: 165090
2) Upper Room Daily Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotional for March-April has arrived! Available for purchase in the office for $2.
3) Bible Study: Join Rev. Michelle on Wednesdays at 11:15am for bible study. We are back in person, meeting in the parlor. Generally, sessions run 45min-1hour. This coming week’s scripture is Sunday, John 18:28-40. Due to interest we will attempt a hybrid bible study to join online you can log on using this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88619319967 and Passcode: 259190
4) Brown Bag Lunch Program: The item of priority this week is proteins with flip top lids. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
5) Pantry: Items that are need this week laundry detergent, white and brown sugar, flour and pudding cups. Thank you for your continued generosity.
6) Database Update – Personal Contact Information: We are beginning to update our church member database and are requesting that you forward your contact information (names of family members, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, envelope # [if known] and whether or not you would like to be included in mailouts or email updates. You can forward this information either by completing a Family Information Form for each member of your household while at the church or by email to Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com. Also, if you know someone that has switched to another church and wishes to change their membership as such, please send that information forward.
7) Bulletin & E-News Announcements Deadline: Please note that going forward, the deadline for all announcements is Wednesday at 3pm.
8) Memory Sharing Event: Join us on April 3rd after church in the hall to share your memories and experiences of your time at St’ Paul’s. Collectively this will help ground our celebration of our 190 years of history.